Daily Dose

Seasonal Vintage Train Rides

The vintage passenger trains run by the Catskill Mountain Railroad (CMRR) date to the 1930s, ’40s, and ‘50s, and offer rides along the sleeks tracks around Kingston and into the picturesque rural landscapes nearby. The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad (C&CV) was built in 1869, and passengers aboard today experience this once-primary form of travel, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Otsego County. Both historic railroad lines run special train rides throughout the year to share a love of train travel with people of all ages.

courtesy of Catskill Mountain Railroad

This weekend, both lines are running Pumpkin Patch Trains. They’ll wind their way through fall foliage to a pick-your-own pumpkin patch where a pumpkin is included in the ticket price. The CMRR will run the last two weekends in October with their new character, Jackie O’Lantern, the Harvest Queen. C&CV runs on October 21st and 22nd. They’re offering a special Halloween Costume Party Train for adults on the evening of October 28th with light food and a full cash bar and DJ.

October Train Rides on the C&CV board just east of Route 28 on Route 166, 136 East Main Street in Milford: Pumpkin Patch Train, October 21-22; departing at 1p; rides are two hours round trip; $20 adults, $19 seniors, $17 children ages 3-12, free for under 3. Halloween Costume Party Train, October 28th; departing 7p; ride is 2 ½ hours; $20 adults, $19 seniors, must be 21+ with valid ID to ride; reservations required, call (607) 432-2429.

courtesy of Catskill Mountain Railroad

Beginning November and December, both lines will host Christmas-themed train rides, some with Santa on board. C&CV’s North Pole Express features colorful lights, Christmas music, and a stop at the North Pole Station for a casual nighttime ride along the Susquehanna River with holiday treats. Their Santa Express is decorated with garland and ornaments, and parents can bring a small gift to hide behind the Depot to the Reindeer Shack so Santa can hand it out on the train. The CMRR’s trademark Polar Express is inspired by the Warner Bros film and book by Chris Van Allsburg. There's Santa, music from the motion picture soundtrack, characters come to life, pajama-clad passengers, and all the magic of the story and of the season.

2017 Polar Express on the CMRR board at the Westbrook Lane station, 149 Aaron Court at the Kingston Plaza shopping center: November 17-19 and 24-26, December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-23 and 27-28; rides are up to 1 ½ hours round trip; $39 adults and $32 youth under 12 for off-peak, $48 adults and $38 youth under 12 for peak; purchase tickets online.